Universal Aiki Principles

Aikido allows you to work on all three of these methods of
training at the same time. Some of the most important principles are
listed below and these will lead you to many more.

AI is the shortest known way of saying equal Love for all without discrimination as to race, creed, colour or form.

KI
is the Cosmic Power that flows out from the centre of the universe and
returns back to the centre. In our daily lives, If we live using
positive Ki we become vibrant energetic beings filled with courage. If
we live using negative Ki we become weak and retiring. Achieved through
breath control, relaxation and mental extension... Chi, Prana, Magnetism
etc.

KOKYU is the way you move your body and
mental extension of energy. If you have control of your breathing,
remain calm and have strong positive Ki, you are able to move your
attacker correctly.

HANMI is the posture used to
face your opponent from which you are able to move quickly to evade any
attack. With one foot a half step ahead of the other we have a strong
stance and with mind on our Hara (One-point) we are prepared for all
attacks.

MA-AI the correct distance
between you and your opponent, which is very important. If you're too
close you'll be unable to avoid a sudden attack and too far away, difficult to use your skills effectively. If an opponent
must take a step to reach you is good Ma-ai.

ORENAI-TE
is the principle of the unbendable arm. If you relax and extend mental
energy through your arm it becomes unbendable and strong, without using
muscle power which is limited. We can be relaxed at all times and be
mentally strong for effective defense.

FUDO NO SHUSEI
is an immovable posture from which we can move rapidly. This is
achieved by relaxation, with mind on hara and the body filled with
positive Ki. This posture is one in which your mind is not disturbed by
anything and your body is not moved.

IRIMI
is the method used to advance towards your opponent without meeting any
resistance and leading his mind, where his body will follow. It enables
us to directly and practically experience the principle of
non-resistance. This returns power to the aggressor.

TENKAN
is a way of leading an attackers power away by turning your body in a
strong circular movement. This pulls the attacker into a circle and
dissipates the energy of the attack to take control.

NAGE - one who is attacked by his opponent and pins or throws him.

UKE is the one who attacks and is pinned or thrown.

Some
real methods of power gained by studying aiki are... proper
alignment, relaxation, acceleration and penetration with mind extended.

Aikido
practitioners believe in the principle of non-resistance and using the
minimum amount of power to control an attacker without causing them
harm. Aiki principles teach the art of acceptance and leading energy.

There are many other aiki principles in the study of aikido... awareness
of environment, timing, Ki-ai shouts and atemi strikes to distract,
balance taking, keeping one point, controlling the circle, weight
dropping, weight shifting, alignment, avoiding direct conflict.